Gladiator II stuntman sues over alleged injuries from set explosion

British stuntman and actor Edward Sarsfield is suing a company behind *Gladiator II*, alleging that an explosion during filming left him with burns and permanent scarring. The company admits liability for the accident but disputes his claimed injuries and has not agreed to his £200,000 damages claim, according to court documents reported by the BBC.

Sarsfield, 47, was playing a dead soldier on a ship during filming in Morocco in 2023. His claim says a gas line used for special-effects flames exploded, setting his costume alight. He says he suffered burns to about 15% of his body, as well as injuries to both knees and his right wrist, and was taken by helicopter to hospital in Marrakesh.

The claim says he was repatriated to the UK four days later for further treatment. It alleges that he has lasting scars, reduced mobility and psychological symptoms.

August Street Films, a subsidiary of Paramount, said in its legal defence that it made no admission about the injuries Sarsfield alleges. Paramount said after the accident in 2023 that several crew members had suffered non-life-threatening injuries and received medical care. The company and Sarsfield declined to comment further.

*Gladiator II*, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, was released in 2024.